S t r a t e g y. R e g i o n a l W a s t e M a n a g e m e n t REVISION 1. North East Waste

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1 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 1 R e g i o n a l W a s t e M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g y REVISION 1 North East Waste

2 N O R T H E A S T WA S T E R E G I O N A L WA S T E M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G Y 2 Contents FOREWORD 3 INTRODUCTION 4 Key Documents, Drivers and Policy Context 5 BACKGROUND 7 Regional Population and Demographic Trends 8 Existing Waste Services, Infrastructure and Directions Overview Of Changes Infrastructure Needs and Planned Infrastructure 16 Waste And Resource Recovery Tonnage Data 17 Non-Domestic Waste 18 Waste Composition 19 Performance Assessment 21 Waste Forecasting and Projections 23 Review Of Programs, Initiatives And Community Expectations Summary 28 STRATEGIC DIRECTION 29 Vision For The Strategy 29 Key Result Areas and Objectives Member Council Strategy IMPLEMENTATION Action Plan MONITORING AND EVALUATION APPENDIX Supporting Data Tables 42 24

3 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 3 The North East Waste region covers almost 21,000 sq kms of land area and has a population of almost 300,000. The seven member Councils within this region are Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire. There are 9 landfill sites, two recycling facilities, three organics processing facilities and eleven transfer stations situated throughout the region. This strategy has been supported by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) with funding from the waste levy. FOREWORD North East Waste is a voluntary regional waste group, formed in 1997 and comprising Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Councils. In 2013 a Regional Waste Strategy was developed in collaboration with its member Councils that aimed to set the strategic direction of waste management in the region through a coordinated and collaborative approach that optimises our skills and resource sharing opportunities. It was driven by political, economic and environmental imperatives including the requirements of the State Government initiatives and strategies, the need to protect the environment and the economic benefits of sharing resources. These imperatives continue and this updated Strategy continues to guide the region in Through this Strategy NE Waste aims to fulfill our objectives and meet targets by: Our vision remains to achieve more sustainable waste management and better resource recovery in the NE Waste region through a proactive, collaborative approach with our regional members Councils, the NSW EPA and our community. Delivering targeted and effective projects that engage and build capacity in our communities to achieve improved waste minimisation and management outcomes. Creating strong Council partnerships that allow collaboration and optimize resource sharing and funding opportunities. Involving the community through social enterprises and the development of markets in recovered resources. Adhering to the principles of sustainability, equity and continuous improvement. Communicating and share our knowledge while striving for leadership and innovation in waste. Over the past 4 years, under the State Government s Waste Less Recycle More initiative, a number of challenges outlined in our original strategy ( ) have been met. Significant progress has been made in areas such as organics collection and processing, managing household problem wastes, waste avoidance and improved engagement of the commercial sector. However, many challenges remain and this updated strategy will build on first stage successes to continue to improve our waste management outcomes. New and remaining challenges include: The predicted pressure from increasing population growth and its implications for waste generation, landfill availability and service provision; The significant quantities of potentially recyclable materials, including organics, still present in the residual waste stream; Building effective relationships with aboriginal communities to improve waste management outcomes on their lands; Gaps in services required to maximise resource recovery across the region, particularly in the commercial sector; A lack of commercial sector data and the difficulty of differentiating commercial from residential data due to current service provision; The need to ensure regional cooperation while maintaining equity and open communication between councils; The poor performance of national product stewardship schemes; The diminishing landfill space available in some LGA s and the difficulties in achieving a regional solution; The fast changing regulatory environment. In order to address these challenges this Strategy will continue to promote a uniform waste management system across all Councils, enhanced services and drop off facilities and improved infrastructure, supported by a comprehensive education and communication program to maximise business and community engagement. We will continue to work closely with the NSW EPA and Federal government to find regional and national solutions to the challenges that face local governments who manage waste. Jeanie McKillop NE Waste Coordinator

4 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 4 1 INTRODUCTION This revised Regional Waste Management Strategy was reviewed and developed in consultation with North East Waste Member Councils. The Strategy draws on our past performance under two regional waste strategies and reports commissioned to inform our planning. It is also informed by current Regional, State and National planning instruments and initiatives. Progress made towards fulfilling the original Strategies objectives are detailed in Section 2. This acts as a guideline for Councils and a public facing document for those interested in the direction and activities of North East Waste. The projects and actions outlined may change over time as the planning horizon it is situated on fluctuates with shifting funding opportunities and new directions.

5 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Key Documents, Drivers and Policy Context The key documents and programs underpinning this Strategy are the: Premiers Priorities in Action to reduce litter by 40% by 2020 Waste Less Recycle More, NSW EPA The Container Deposit Scheme 2017 Improved Waste Management and Increased Engagement with Aboriginal Communities and People Program NSW EPA 2017 NSW 2021: A Plan to make NSW number one (2012) NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Strategy Several key drivers and trends have been identified that support regional cooperation and the need for an effective regional waste strategy that is updated and reviewed. The key political drivers include: The need to fulfil diversion targets set under the Draft WARR Strategy The recognition at different political levels that there is a need and opportunity for regional cooperation and WLRM 2 funding. Socio-Economic drivers include: The potential to involve the community, provide employment and develop markets through social enterprises in waste The imperative of resource sharing due to diminishing landfill space Population growth and seasonal fluctuations within the region impacting on existing waste systems and infrastructure The potential to increase funding opportunities under a regional cooperation model The possibility of reducing costs and increasing economies of scale through cooperation and joint ventures Building regional capacity through knowledge exchange. Environmental drivers include: Improving resource efficiency through collaborative efforts Improving the environmental performance of infrastructure Protecting the environment and improving sustainability through education and behaviour change Improving waste management to help mitigate the impact of human induced climate change. Legislative Framework In NSW, waste activities and strategy are primarily governed by the State under the direction of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Local governments aim to meet State government targets and are usually responsible for the collection and disposal of waste. Regional groups of councils, such as North East Waste, provide support to Councils and help facilitate collaboration and resource sharing. At a Federal level there exists a National Waste Policy but the day to day operations of waste management are generally governed at a State and Local Government level. As NE Waste borders Queensland, the policy direction for waste in that State is also of interest to the group, as several members, through necessity, currently dispose of waste into Queensland landfills. The introduction of a levy or restrictions on imported waste in Queensland could potentially make this practice unviable. Other new legislation that will impact on waste management in NSW and also in Queensland is the introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme in December The legislative, regulatory and planning instruments that guide waste are listed below in Figure 1.

6 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 6 Legislative, regulatory and planning instruments guiding waste in NSW Premiers Priorities in Action Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO)Act 1997 Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Amendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Act 2016 Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2015 NSW Container Deposit Scheme NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy Waste Less Recycle More and Regional Waste Strategies The structure of this plan follows the guidelines provided by the NSW EPA and uses the Key Results areas identified in the WARR Strategy to guide our choice of outcomes and develop our targets. Under this umbrella, consultations and analysis have assisted us in redefining our strategic objectives and consolidating our previous strategy. A series of workshops have been held with key waste management stakeholders and additional research has been undertaken to support NE Waste in further refining our objectives and determining the mechanisms for delivery of this Strategy.

7 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 7 2 FIGURE 1 Our Region BACKGROUND The North East Waste region covers almost 21,000 square kilometres of land area and has a population of 295,510. The seven member Councils within this region are Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed. Membership of the Voluntary Regional Waste Group, North East Waste, has been reasonably consistent since its beginnings in 1997, and today all local Councils are members. NE Waste is governed by a Memorandum of Agreement, with each Council having a vote and delegate at bi-monthly meetings. It is funded by the NSW EPA, contributions from Councils and grant funding. A Coordinator manages the administration of the group, the budget and its projects. Additional coordinators manage education, business and specialised projects subject to need.

8 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Regional Population and Demographic Trends The North East Waste region has a population density of approximately 14 people per square kilometre. Compared to many other regional and rural areas of NSW this is relatively high. It is expected that this will increase with population increase. Figure 2 below provides the most recent population statistics for our region (2016) by Local Government Area and the projected populations proposed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment

9 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 9 Figure 2: Historical (2011 and 2016) and Projected Regional Population Change ( ) Since 2011 population growth has fluctuated but steadily increased by 6.5% over 5 years. Population projections from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that further approximate increase of 6% is anticipated by 2021, bringing the regional population to 313,350 persons. The highest % increase was in the Byron Shire at 12%, the Tweed Shire at 8.6%, followed by Ballina Shire at 6.5% 350, , , , , ,000 85,105 22,037 42,766 9,228 49, ,000 92,460 24,300 23,181 47,850 44, , , ,450 24,850 25,350 25,650 49,350 50,700 51,750 9,650 9,650 9,600 9,550 9,537 51,040 54,450 55,800 56,800 57,450 Tweed RVC Lismore Kyogle CVC 50, ,209 32,723 33,850 35,250 36,650 37,950 39,274 41,828 43,250 44,300 45,150 45, Byron Balina

10 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Existing Waste Services, Infrastructure and Directions Table 1 summarises the demographics, services, infrastructure and waste movements for each Council. Arrangements and infrastructure vary across the region but in recent years a more streamlined approach with improved infrastructure coverage has emerged. Each Council has its own arrangements in place for waste collection, by contract with a private operator or by an in-house day labour service. All Councils operate a fortnightly comingled recycling service for dry recycling, except for Kyogle Council which has a weekly split bin (waste/recycling) collection. Six Councils offer the larger 360 litre recycling bin to encourage improved diversion, with this now being the standard recycle bin option for many residents and businesses. Recycling is available to commercial premises in all seven Council areas and organics collection for business is available in six. An organics collection is now available across 6 council areas. Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Tweed provide a weekly combined food and garden organic (FOGO) service. Those Councils have also implemented a reduced, fortnightly collection schedule for residual waste, to further encourage the diversion of food and garden waste via the weekly organics service. Some Councils also provide as standard, a smaller 140 litre bin for the collection of residual waste. All NE Waste Councils with the exception of Kyogle, which is in negotiation with its waste contractor to move to a 2 or 3 bin system in the future, have adopted a 3 bin system which complies with the Australian Standard (AS ) bin lid colour requirements. There are three Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) located in the region. Tweed, and Kyogle have contracts with a private operator for processing at the Chinderah MRF in Tweed Shire. Clarence Valley s dry recyclables are processed at the Grafton MRF, which is situated at the landfill. The Lismore MRF processes dry recycling from Lismore, Richmond Valley, Byron, Ballina and Tenterfield. Lismore s organic recycling facility processes Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley s food and garden organic waste, via a new MAFF open windrow composting system. Clarence Valley processes its organics via the In-Vessel Composting system at the Grafton MRF site. In July 2017 Tweed also began a FOGO service and is currently seeking organics processing technology for its product. Most NE Waste Councils dispose of residual waste at their local licensed landfill facility, with the exception of Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shire Councils, who currently have contracts with a private operator for disposal of residual waste at landfills in South East Queensland.

11 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 11 Table 1 Council Collection/Service Infrastructure Recent changes and Direction Ballina Councils waste services, infrastructure and direction. Population: 42,100 Single unit dwellings: 10,459 Multi unit dwellings: 4,373 Council and Contractor Collection of: 240l residual fortnightly 240l and 360l recycling fortnightly 240l FOGO weekly Closed Landfill with 3 years emergency life Residual currently transported to Queensland Transfer Station/Drop off facility Tip Shop CRC Compositional Waste Audit 2017 Focus on improving asbestos management with MicroPHAZIR gun, testing kits and training Feasibility study on potential improvements to transfer stations and loadout areas Byron Population: 33,280 Single unit dwellings: 8,579 Multi unit dwellings: 1,818 Contractor Collection of: 140/240l residual fortnightly 240l recycling fortnightly 240l FOGO weekly Annual bulk drop off Closed Landfill with 2 years emergency life Transfer Station/Drop off facility Tip Shop CRC Gas collection and Flare Compositional waste Audit 2016 New Waste Management Strategy and Master Plan for Myocum site including a new FERRC Public place waste audit and installation of new bins Pasteurisation of Green waste FOGO introduced in 2016 New organics processing MAFF system Improving traffic management Clarence Valley Population: 52,800 Single unit dwellings: 16,802 Multi unit dwellings: 2,083 Contractor Collection of: 240l residual fortnightly 360l recycling fortnightly 240l FOGO weekly Annual kerbside cleanup 2,417,000 m3 landfill 60 years of life MRF 12,000 tpa 14,000 tpa organics processor 6 transfer stations Tip Shop/Drop-off Facility Hazardous waste store CRC at Maclean and at Grafton A Council waste app was developed Mattress recycling commenced A weighbridge solar system was installed with Tesla battery back up. Improved public place recycling Upgrade of transfer station New landfill cell

12 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 12 Table 1 Council Collection/Service Infrastructure Recent changes and Direction Kyogle Population: 9,600 Single unit dwellings: 1,944 Multi unit dwellings: 61 Contractor collection of: 120l split bin weekly 120l split bin weekly 190,000 m3 landfill 50 years of life at Kyogle 4 transfer stations/drop off facility Tip shop CRC A new cell was completed at Kyogle and one closed at Woodenbong. Working to improve in house waste management and community event waste management Construction of a new drop-off bay for green waste at the Kyogle New focus on agricultural waste Lismore Council Collection of : 88,000 m3 with 2 years life remaining and New Waste Strategy Population: 46, /240l residual fortnightly 600,000 m3 proposed New waste education officer Single unit dwellings: 14, /360l Recycling fortnightly MAFF organics New optical sorter has increased plastics recycling Multi unit dwellings: 1, l FOGO weekly 15000tpa MRF New Aerated MAFF composting system annual free tip vouchers 2 transfer stations A Commercial Waste Sorting Facility will be constructed in Hazardous waste store CRC A new landfill cell (600,000 m3) is in the approval phase and construction is planned for 2018/19 Recycling Drop off facility Richmond Valley Population: 23,550 Single unit dwellings: 7,410 Multi unit dwellings: 260 Council Collection of: 240l residual fortnightly 240/360l recycling fortnightly 240l FOGO weekly Near capacity landfill with 250,000 m3 proposed 4 transfer stations Hazardous waste store CRC Front End Resource Recovery Centre Tip shop New master plan for Namoona with new cell and capping in development New waste Strategy under development New waste education officer in 2016 Pasteurisation and production of saleable green waste 2017 Concrete crushing on site 2017 New weighbridge for Evans head proposed Seeking long term regional landfill or AWT options Tweed Population: 94,450 Single unit dwellings: 18,694 Multi unit dwellings: 13,396 Contractor Collection of: 120l residual fortnightly 240l recycling fortnightly 240l FOGO weekly 2 x yearly bulk collections Landfill Temporarily closed but 2.5 million m3 landfill approved Two transfer stations/drop off facilities Tip shop CRC Hazardous Waste store New FOGO service 2017 Proposed Organics Treatment Facility New landfill under development (2.5 million m3) New CRC 2017 Improvements to communications system with a focus on social media

13 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Overview Of Changes Since 2013 when the last regional waste strategy was published a number of significant changes have occurred in the region. The key changes are highlighted below. Changes to Councils infrastructure, services and direction include: Three more Councils have implemented a FOGO service bringing the total to 6 of the 7 member Councils. This service is for residential and commercial premises. A new Transfer Station was built at Iluka in the Clarence Valley and Bora Ridge (RVC) and Woodenbong (Kyogle) landfill were closed and replaced by Transfer Stations. 360 litre recycling bins have become more common, with 6 Councils now offering this as the standard service. Organics processing has increased and been upgraded with Lismore installing a new aerated composting floor for FOGO, Richmond Valley and Kyogle Councils beginning green waste pasteurisation and reuse, and Byron Council constructing a new aerated pad to process self haul green waste on site. Leachate containment and treatment continues to be improved with Ballina Council planting over 1000 vetiver seedlings to increase leachate diversion, Tweed improving the irrigation systems of their vetiver fields and Byron investigating new leachate control methods on site. Waste staffing has increased noticeably with a total of 8 new staff working in waste education and strategy related roles. A new Environmental Learning Centre was built at Grafton. Two new tip shops have opened at Casino and Ballina, promoting reuse. A weighbridge was installed at Kyogle, second weighbridges were installed at Lismore and Grafton and a solar powered weighbridge with Tesla battery was installed at South Grafton. New software technology was adopted at Byron Council to improve tracking and management of collection. Data collection has improved with C&D waste and recovery, Illegal Dumping, Waste Locate and litter. New Strategies and Master plans are in development in Richmond Valley, Tweed, Byron and Ballina Shires.

14 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 14 NSW EPA Waste Less Recycle More (WLRM) grants have also allowed for NE Waste to expand our program reach into challenging new areas. We have been the recipients of 19 contestable grants since the original strategy was funded in 2013 and new programs have included: Eight Community Recycling Centres (CRC) have been established across the region at Casino, Kyogle, Grafton, Maclean, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Tweed Heads. These allow for residents to drop off for free a range of problem wastes that traditionally have been disposed of to landfill. The CRC s accept household quantities of paint, oil, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluoro tubes and globes, smoke detectors and household and lead acid batteries. Two programs that assist with the disposal of asbestos have been implemented. Providing Household Asbestos Disposal Kits for small jobs where less than 10m2 of asbestos is being removed by residents. 362 kits have been distributed in the past 2 years. Home asbestos test kits are available for residents to establish if their home contains asbestos prior to renovating. To date 480 test kits have been distributed to councils and nearly 300 tests completed. Our illegal dumping grants have made it possible to install surveillance cameras, train staff, develop enforcement and education resources, gather baseline data and engage a Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) officer. As a result there has been a doubling in the number of illegal dumping incidents reported across the region - up from 898 in 2015/16 to 1881 in 2016/17 with 725 tonnes of illegal dumping disposed of. Six of the 7 member councils are now registered for RID online reporting. Three litter projects have been targeting high priority littered sites including parks, retail areas and roadsides. The 14/15 litter program saw new bin and signage infrastructure installed at hotspots across 6 LGAs and achieved an average 38% reduction in littering at the sites. The 16/17 Busting Roadside Litter awareness program (stage 1) focused on reducing littering from vehicles at 6 hotspot locations along the Pacific Highway from Tweed to Grafton and resulted in an average 53% litter reduction and a 150% in the number of residents registered to report littering from vehicles. The 2nd stage of the roadside program extended to highways in the west of the region at Lismore and Casino and achieved an average 74% litter reduction by volume. A new project to engage the public in an ongoing litter collection and reduction campaign at 4 high profile recreational parks will be rolled out in 2017/18. Two rounds of Bin Trim grants have resulted in the assessments of 370 businesses and engagement with many more. The combined Bin Trim projects resulted in 1,100 tonnes being diverted from landfill. Four Bin Trim rebates were organised for businesses including, a bandsaw, baler, a chicken tractor and a hot rot composting machine.

15 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 15 New business resources were developed including promotional tools, video showcases, staff engagement signage and factsheets. The data collected from the Bin Trim project has supported NE Waste grant application in other areas and has also been provided to our member councils with personalised reports being developed for them. Momentum from Bin Trim has helped promote the Waste Warriors for Business Project, with the project being contacted by significant numbers of businesses for assistance. The Waste Warriors for Business project continues to engage and promote best practice waste management, the project objectives and participating businesses via its blog and social media accounts. Since 2014, NE Waste has been successful in 2 x Love Food Hate Waste grants and a Food Smart Pilot study. The first of these grants enabled a social research study to be conducted in our region involving parents with children. This enabled a targeted behavioural change program to be developed and implemented successfully in our region over the past 3 years. The program reaches householders through a multifaceted approach including TV, print media, social media and face to face engagement through our mobile education van and a Love Food Hate Waste workshop series, reaching more than 5,000 people. Evaluation has shown that following on from the workshops, 85% of participants report to have adopted 3 food waste avoidance practices and reduced their food waste by at least 2-5L per week. NE Waste have also piloted the Love Food Hate Waste Food Smart program to 98 householders in our region. NE Waste will continue to foster partnership opportunities and implement food waste avoidance behaviour change programs across the region building on its already successful Love Food Hate Waste program. Under the better waste recycling fund NE Waste has purchased Visual Messaging Signs that have been used at landfills, to advertise waste events, and on our litter projects. We have also purchased a new waste education van and resources to extend our reach into schools and the community. This year (2017) the fund will be used to engage the region in the appropriate use of their FOGO collection systems and to reduce organic waste going to landfill. For the first time NE Waste has moved into the area of working with aboriginal communities on waste management issues. A review of the discrete aboriginal communities in the region was conducted in 2015 and assistance was given to communities who wished to apply for funding to tackle illegal dumping issues. Since then funding has been secured to work intensively with 2 communities, Muli Muli in Kyogle and Cabbage Tree Island in Ballina Shire. A clean up of existing waste and asbestos on-site is underway and the program is focusing on finding longer- term solutions to challenges that these communities face around waste management.

16 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Infrastructure Needs and Planned Infrastructure In 2011 an infrastructure needs analysis was completed for the NSW EPA. It identified the Northern Rivers as a high priority for new resource recovery infrastructure. Since that time a number of new facilities have become operational, addressing some of the infrastructure gaps identified. These include a new MRF at both Grafton and Lismore, an organic processing facility at Grafton, and a household hazardous waste shed at both Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire. In addition, eight Community Recycling Centres have been constructed and operate across the region. Recently a new infrastructure needs analysis has been completed by the NSW EPA and has identified the need for: Additional C&D recycling capacity (around 41,000 tpa by 2021) Additional garden organics recovery capacity (around 36,000 tpa by 2021) 10,000 tpa non-putrescible MRF capacity; 31,000 tpa mixed waste treatment and 16,000 tpa energy recovery capacity to achieve recovery targets for MSW and C&I waste In the report it refers to mixed waste treatment and not an AWT specifically Lismore is bringing online before June a waste sorting facility that will sort 18,000 tonnes of commercial and self-haul waste. A few years after it will be expanded to take municipal kerbside waste as well. It will be a good demonstration to determine potential diversion quantities. Our councils all integrate garden organics into their composting processing and with Byron and Tweed also beginning this practice the need for increased resource recovery in this area is unlikely. National trends indicate that while diversion of recycling and organics has improved, the overall volume of waste generated has increased, making landfill capacity a pressing issue. Total available landfill capacity across the region is currently at 4 million cubic meters, with similar proposed additional void space available. Three Council landfills are currently near capacity and either have approval or are awaiting approval to develop new landfills. One Council landfill has closed due to constrained capacity and expansion issues and is currently transferring residual waste to South East Queensland. Two of the Councils nearing capacity are also utilising this option while their new landfills are in development. There is also the potential to utilise other existing landfills in the region if the South East Queensland option ceases to be viable. There will be: An oversupply of clean MRF capacity Adequate FOGO organics processing capacity, assuming Tweed Shire Organics Facility is developed as planned At the time of writing, the final Infrastructure Strategy has not been released but NE Waste Council feedback on the proposed needs above are: We do not consider that a mixed waste treatment facility or an energy recovery facility or RDF plant is a priority for Local Government in the Northern Rivers for the period of the strategy. If the strategy was out to 2031 it could be relevant. A more realistic strategy would be to invest in C&I/C&D resource recovery infrastructure e.g. small dirty MRF s along with market development. An AWT of some kind will come online at some stage of the future in the region it may however be for specific waste types.

17 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Waste And Resource Recovery Tonnage Data Figure 4: Total Domestic Waste Generation and Resource Recovery 200, Total Domestic Waste In the NE Waste region there has been a reduction in total domestic waste generation (from kerbside, clean up and drop off) since During the same period the population has increased, indicating an overall reduction per capita of domestic waste generated. In 2012/13 waste recovery in the region exceeded the tonnes of waste disposed to landfill for the first time. In 2015/16 recovery reached 102,018 tones, with 63,907 tones disposed of to landfill. This equates to a recycling rate of 61% recycling rate This increase in resource recovery is a result of a number of improved services across the region, including the introduction of a food and garden organics (FOGO) service in both Richmond Valley and Byron Shire. The Tweed FOGO service goes on line in July 2017 bring the total number of NE Waste Councils recycling organics to six of the seven NE Waste Councils. Most councils have also upgraded their recycling bins to a 360 Litre, encouraging more dry recycling recovery. Extensive education and communication campaigns have supported the successful implementation of these new and improved services. Figure 4 presents the total domestic waste generation and resource recovery in tonnes for the region since Total Kerbside Domestic Waste 61% 180, , , , ,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000-85,675 79,229 75,738 78,469 80, ,018 89,938 85,789 91,197 91,012 82, , / / / / / / /16 Tonnes Disposed Tonnes Recovered Figure 5: Total Kerbside Domestic Waste Generation 80,000 70,000 60,000 Most domestic waste is collected via Councils kerbside bin services. Overall the total quantity of domestic waste and recycling collected in kerbside bins has been steadily decreasing by about 1 kilogram per household per week each year since Throughout this period there has been a steady increase in the diversion of both dry recycling and organics with a corresponding reduction in the disposal of waste to landfill via the residual waste bin as shown in Figure 5. 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 Residual Dry Recycling Organics - 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 15/16

18 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Non-Domestic Waste Solid waste from households including kerbside bins, kerbside clean ups and self haul to drop off centres, comprises the majority of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) stream. However MSW also includes solid waste from local government operations such as waste collected from municipal parks and gardens, street sweepings, events, council engineering works and public council bins. Construction and demolition waste (C&D) Construction and demolition data varies across the region. The introduction of the waste levy has led to a corresponding reduction in C&D waste throughout the region been landfilled. On-site use and the recovery of concrete for resale are the main activities undertaken to reduce C&D waste to landfill. In 2016/17 over 38,006 ton of C&D materials entered the regional facilities. Of this 16,091 ton was recovered. While this recovery rate of 42.3 % is well below the 2021 WARR Strategy target of 80% it is an increase on previous years when most C&D waste was landfilled. Some individual Councils have recovery rates of up to 77% and several more have commenced concrete crushing and the sorting of other products for reuse and resale. At the time of the last strategy data collection did not allow the recycling rate to be calculated at all so improvements have been made in collection and recording of data. The recovery of C&D waste will continue to be a priority for NEW Councils in this strategy. Illegal Dumping The number of Illegal Dumping incidents reported in the region has grown significantly in recent years. Recent NE Waste projects have improved reporting, worked across sectors of Council to consolidate data and encouraged the public to report, contributing to this increase. Since the last strategy our Illegal Dumping Clean up and prevention program ( ) has provided training of Council staff, surveillance cameras and training in their use, the development of enforcement and educational resources, and encouraged better data collection of illegal dumping that is disposed of in Council facilities. In 2016, NE Waste was successful in gaining funds for an Illegal Dumping RID officer for the southern region as a trial. The role was to assist 3 Councils to improve data collection using the Report Illegal Dumping online tool, continue training and resource development and to improve communication across the Council departments involved in Illegal Dumping. In summary: Six of the regions seven Councils are now registered to use RID online The number of illegal dumping incidents reported and investigated more than doubled in 2016/17, to 1,881 across the region The amount of illegal dumping disposed of this year, increased from 219 to 725 tonnes The number of penalty and clean up notices issued across the region this year increased by 36% to 56 in total Illegal dumping of asbestos continued to rise, with 57 incidents reported in 2016/17 Commercial & Industrial Waste (C&I) Reliable data about the commercial sectors waste generation and resource recovery performance is still not currently available. This is due to the combined residential and commercial collection services provided by Councils and the existing weighbridge and MRF systems that do not allow accurate data separation for differing waste streams. However, it is anticipated that this may improve for self haul and skip loads, as Lismore Council has received funding to construct a C&I sorting facility to improve recovery and enable accurate reporting.

19 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Waste Composition Kerbside Residual Bin Figure 5 NE Waste Region Kerbside Residual Bin Composition Data in this section, except for Waste composition in Figure 6 below is taken from the most recent WARR data. Figure 6 shows more recent data from the compositional audits held in the period. Other putrescibles/animal waste 4% textiles 5% Misc 8% Cardboard & Paper 8% Earth Based 3% Building Waste 4% Hazardous 1% Food Organics 28% Non Recyclable Plastics 8% Contaminated Paper 5% Nappies 10% Recyclable Plastics 5% Ferrous Metal 3% Non- Ferrous Metal E- waste 1% 2% Garden organics 2% Glass 4% The kerbside residual bin audits undertaken in show the above composition. Food organics remain a significant portion of the bin and the recent focus of Councils and NEW has been to increase FOGO campaigns and services to address this issue. The average household residual bin (red lid) in the region contained 7 kg of waste per week, with 1.47 kg of recycling and 2.12 kg of organics. An estimated 63% of the bin contents were potentially recyclable, including 39% percent organics, 24 percent dry recyclables.

20 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Comparison of regional compositions since 2013 Since the last strategy was written from audits conducted in 2013, all Councils have experienced a significant reduction in the weight of their residual bin and the quantity of organics and dry recycling in that bin. Their combined efforts are shown in Figure 6 below. Figure 6 Comparison from previous Strategy in kgs Total weight Recycling Organics

21 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Performance Assessment This section reviews the performance of different waste collection systems and helps us understand how existing schemes are performing and where there is potential for improvement. The region s performance is measured against a number of indicators including the amount of household waste generated, the percentage recycled and the overall diversion from landfill. This analysis enables the NE Waste region s performance to be compared against other similar councils and regions Household Generation Household waste generation has been steadily reducing since 2007 as indicated in Figure 7 below. According to WARR data in 2015/16 households across the region generated 8.46kg of residual waste per week on average. The dry recycling rate at 6.03 kg has increased marginally continues to remain similar to previous years. The organics yield per household has also remained the same at 6.2 kg per household per week but these figures do not reflect the introduction of new FOGO services across the region, in Richmond Valley and Tweed Council areas. Figure 7 Household Generation Table 2 Table 2 presents the 2015/16 generation per household (kg/hh/wk) of kerbside waste and recycling for the 7 NE Waste Councils and their estimated household recycling rate (%) according to recently released WARR data. NE Waste Councils Generation per Household Council Residual to landfill Yield (kg/hh/wk) 2015/16 Dry Recycling Organics Total Recycling Rate % Ballina Shire Council % Byron Shire Council % Clarence Valley Council % Kyogle Council NA % Lismore City Council % Richmond Valley Council % Tweed Shire Council % Residual Dry Recycling Organics Total Kerbside NE WASTE Region 2015/ % NE WASTE Region 2014/ % RRA 2014/ % NSW 2014/ % /08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16

22 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Domestic Diversion The total domestic diversion rate for the NE Waste region has been gradually increasing due mainly to improved diversion rates from kerbside bins. In 2011/12 the diversion rate was 49.5%. Many more services have been introduced since the publishing of the 2014/15 WARR data used for this report and a continued increase in this rate is expected during the lifetime of this strategy. Table Total Domestic Diversion Rate 3 Council Total Domestic Generation Domestic Diversion Rate 2015/16 Total Recovered Total Disposed Recycling rate TONNES Ballina Shire 22, , , % Byron Shire 25, , , % Clarence Valley 29,579 19,235 10, % Kyogle 4, , , % Lismore City 21,791 14,584 7, % Richmond Valley 10,261 5,962 4, % Tweed Shire 57,716 37,107 20, % NE WASTE Region 2015/16 171, ,544 64, % NE WASTE Region 2014/15 155, ,895 73, %

23 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Waste Forecasting and Projections Figure 8 Total Domestic Waste Generation (tonnes) Forecast to 2021 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Domestic Waste , , , ,000 Figure 8 displays a number of waste scenarios based on ABS projected population data and the historical trends of domestic waste generation in the NE Waste region. The regions population is forecast to increase from 287,900 in 2011 to 306,000 in The three scenarios display the possible change in tonnages of domestic waste over time, in line with the predicted population increase and changes in the generation of waste per person. Scenario 1 assumes a continuation of the overall trend of a reduction in waste generation of 1.5% per capita in the region. Scenario 2 assumes that domestic waste generation remains at the 2012 rate of 0.55 tonnes per year per capita. Scenario 3 assumes further improvement to a 2.25% reduction in domestic waste generation per capita, reflecting our aspirational target. 160, ,000 After 2013, all scenarios predict a steady increase in total domestic waste generation until These predictions could be influenced by a number of factors including the economic climate, behavioural change through education and regulation and natural disaster events. 150, The above forecasting is limited by the exclusion of C&I and C&D waste tonnages. Proposed improvements in data collection and reporting will enable more accurate prediction of waste generation across all waste streams.

24 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Review Of Programs, Initiatives And Community Expectations NE Waste had delivered a broad range of waste education, business and community engagement programs over 20 years. The group has focused on delivering outcomes in the initiatives tabled below, with their key features and outcomes outlined. Many changes have occurred during the past 3 years and these are also highlighted. Table 4 NE Waste Programs & Initiatives Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes Administration, Communication and Reporting Regular meetings and networking have continued with the 7 Councils, other VRWG s and NE Waste project officers Extensive Media engagement Annual reports, Project Reports, Strategy 10 meetings with member councils and contractors 4 annual E-Newsletters. Website promotion providing information and interaction at in addition to hosting 3 individual project websites Editorial and advertising to support projects: In NE Waste developed a new TVC, ran 2 existing from the previous year, produced 10 social media clips, an image library, 139 print ads, 64 pieces of editorial, 993 radio ads, 3 conference presentations, 1 Youtube music video and a digital infographic, 4 media interviews Annual report to Council, annual report to EPA, Strategy review, grant acquittal, project reports to council 1/4ly Regional Waste Strategy Collaboratively identifying regional objectives and planning actions for implementation Regional Waste Strategy , Regional Waste Strategy

25 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 25 Table NE Waste Programs & Initiatives 4 Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes School and Community Education programs Community and Schools Education and Engagement Program Trip to Tip Program (WOW excursion) Love Food Hate Waste Program National recycling week Second-hand Saturday Community education and schools support program is delivered through our mobile Wipe out Waste (WOW) team and resources. The Wipe out Waste program actively engages more than 5,000 community members each year at more than 50 events across the region each year. Our WOW excursion is now integrated into the WOW program - approx. 7 of these are held annually Phase 1: social research conducted and report produced. Pilot workshop held, Facebook page commenced, TV Commercial produced and aired Phase 2: community workshop series - 40 workshops and cooking demos held. Partnerships established with TAFE, NSW Health, Consortium of Neighbourhood Centres, Schools, Preschools. Resource production, training of contractors Media campaign promoting Council recycling services. Includes a week of community events, editorial in local papers, newspaper ads in local press, social media, and newsletter articles. The biggest garage sale day that involves up to 50,000 people in reuse through holding or visiting garage sales on the day. Early Childhood Waste Education Program From and reaching more than 50 preschools/early childhood centres. Holistic and integrated approach for centres becoming waste wise. Get Grubby Program - 7 training sessions held with Early Childhood Centre staff. Access to Get Grubby Program (@dirtgirlworld) High Schools Program Business engagement and audit project Including Students Using Sustainable Strategies Program (SUSS) run from Waste Audit training with high schools run in conjunction with SUSS and now with Dorroughby EE Centre and Northern Rivers Group of Environmental Educators. Actively engaged over 600 businesses since Business Waste Reduction Project Problem Wastes and Community Recycling Centres Waste Warriors project Regional contracts for specific problem wastes Stage 1 - audited 40 businesses and provided support to facilitate waste reduction practices. Stage 2 precinct and sector based approach included 10 business cluster surveys and assessed 490 small businesses over 2 years. Stage 3 Waste Warriors utilises TV, electronic, social and print media, to engage businesses. A case management approach incorporates EPA Bin Trim tool and a detailed action plan to achieve increased diversion through facilitation of recycling partnerships, improved staff training and promotion of business success. Two rounds of Bin Trim grants have resulted in the assessments of 370 businesses and engagement with many more. The combined Bintrim projects resulted in 1100 tonnes being diverted from landfill. Four Bin Trim rebates were organised for businesses including, a bandsaw, baler, a chicken tractor and a hot rot composting machine. New business resources were developed including promotional tools, video showcases, staff engagement signage and factsheets. Collections for Ewaste, compact fluorescent lamps, tyres Collection of chemicals at surrender events Community Recycling Centres constructed and operational in the region

26 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 26 Table 4 Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes Training NE Waste Programs & Initiatives Landfill operator,asbestos identification, Illegal dumping and Media training Training provided for staff from member Councils for professional development on specific areas each year. In Council waste workers were trained in a certificate course in asbestos handling and removal Since 2012, NE Waste Council staff and contractors have also participated in EPA sponsored training for cultural awareness, commmunity-based social marketing, behaviour change, collaborative leadership and project management. Raising awareness of Illegal Dumping A Regional Illegal Dumping Program across 7 participating Councils since 2012 and has continued to provide resources, support and training to our councils. TV, radio, print advertisements and editorial Posters, stickers, brochures, road signage, enforcement tape. Training for council staff in Illegal Dumping enforcement Development of online reporting for Illegal dumping Development of website Support and development of regional projects that focus and support the needs of the 7 local councils in NE Waste RID Online Officer Litter Clean Up Country Supporting a pilot project for a contractor to work with 3 Councils to improve their data collection and management of reporting Illegal Dumping on line. Providing litter programs that involve media, infrastructure and education components. So far, 3 litter projects have been targeting high priority littered sites including parks, retail areas and roadsides. This project involved a review of the discrete aboriginal communities in the region with assistance given to communities who wished to apply for funding to tackle illegal dumping issues. Since then funding has been secured to work intensively with 2 communities, Muli Muli in Kyogle and Cabbage Tree Island in Ballina Shire. around waste management. Increase reporting and improved data capture. The transfer of information to nonparticipating Councils. The 14/15 litter program saw new bin and signage infrastructure installed at hotspots across 6 LGAs and achieved an average 38% reduction in littering at the sites. The 16/17 Busting Roadside Litter awareness program (stage 1) focused on reducing littering from vehicles at 6 hotspot locations along the Pacific Highway from Tweed to Grafton and resulted in an average 53% litter reduction and a 150% in the number of residents registered to report littering from vehicles. The 2nd stage of the roadside program extended to highways in the west of the region at Lismore and Casino and achieved an average 74% litter reduction by volume. A new project to engage the public in an ongoing litter collection and reduction campaign at 4 high profile recreational parks will be rolled out in 17/18. NE Waste also collaborated with Midwaste to extend this program to the south along the Pacific Highway. A clean up of existing waste and asbestos on site is complete. In excess of 1,950 t of waste was removed from the Muli site and 28 t from Cabbage Tree Island. Project cost was in excess of $300,000 provided by the EPA. A recycling system and service was introduced to the community A week-long workshop on recycling resulted in a video film clip shot at Muli Muli by Desert Pea Media. A planting day and thank you was held to rehabilitate the old tip site.

27 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 27 Table 4 NE Waste Programs & Initiatives Project and Initiatives Features Outcomes Better Waste Recycling Fund The support of specific initiatives and projects approved by the EPA In recent years this has included: 7 Visual messaging signs for Councils Purchase of asbestos household testing kits Asbestos Programs FOGO Campaign Partnerships There have been 3 asbestos initiative a Household Disposal Kit for residents, a household testing kit for residents and a media campaign. A media campaign to encourage residents to use their green bin correctly Making links to other agencies and funding bodies The purchase of a new education van to house the community engagement project marquees, resources and signage 480 Asbestos disposal kits provided to councils 420 Asbestos testing kits TV Commercial, print and radio media to promote the safe disposal of asbestos. One 30 second TVC and one 15 second TVC aired for 6 months on both regional stations 6 social media clips for use by NE Waste and our Councils An on-line media library to assist promotion Regular meetings with RENEW NSW Grants funded by Environment Trust include Illegal dumping, ecofriendly youth project, love food hate waste Networks and projects with environmental educators, ROUS Water, NSW Health, Consortium of Neighbourhood Centres, LALCs

28 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Summary The NE Waste region has reduced total domestic waste generation and improved recycling and resource recovery through individual council initiatives, ongoing regional collaboration and implementation of the Regional Waste Management Strategy However there is still work to be done to continue improving performance into the future. At present the NE Waste region faces a number of challenges in waste management that this strategy will address. They include: The regions population is predicted to increase by 6% to 306,000 by 2021 and this has implications for waste generation, landfill availability and service provision. While all Councils currently have a dry recycling service and most have an organics collection, there is room for further improvement. Significant quantities (63%) of potentially recyclable materials are currently present in the residual waste bin and can be recycled through existing Council services. Improved infrastructure is required to keep pace with future increases in population and waste generation. Additional landfill capacity is needed to cope with current and future residual waste disposal requirements. To achieve the WARR target of 75% diversion from landfill by 2021, the further expansion and sharing of regional resource recovery facilities is required. The lack of data about the commercial sector s waste generation and resource recovery makes planning for the future more difficult. Targets have been set for 70% C&I recovery, yet existing weighbridge systems and MRFs do not allow accurate separation of the data in the MSW and C&I streams. Ensuring regional cooperation, maintain equity and open communication, while addressing the different needs of individual member Councils. A strategy is required that addresses these challenges and includes a uniform waste management system, enhanced services and drop off facilities and improved infrastructure, supported by a comprehensive education and communication program to maximise business and community engagement. This will contribute to further increasing diversion, alleviating the pressure and future expenditure on Council s facilities and improving resource recovery across the region.

29 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 29 3 STRATEGIC DIRECTION 3.1 Vision For The Strategy 3.2 Key Result Areas and Objectives Our vision is to achieve more sustainable waste management and better resource recovery in the NE Waste region through a proactive, collaborative approach with our regional member Councils, the NSW EPA and our community. Through this Strategy we aim to fulfill our objectives and meet targets by: Delivering targeted and effective projects that engage and build capacity in our communities to achieve improved waste minimization and management outcomes Creating strong Council partnerships that allow collaboration and optimize resource sharing and funding opportunities Involving the community through social enterprises and the development of markets in recovered resources Adhering to the principles of sustainability, equity and continuous improvement Communicating and share our knowledge while striving for leadership and innovation in waste The area of focus for the strategy and the objectives outlined in the following sections are informed by the analysis of the current situation presented in Section 2. Past experience, strategies and previous studies (summarised in Appendix 2) were also considered in identifying areas that required action. In addition, the current funding opportunities and the strategic aims of State and local Government also contributed. The refinement of the existing strategic objectives occurred over a period of six month and involved multiple consultations with member Councils (October 13-March14). Initially, objectives and actions from the Strategic Plan were reviewed for current applicability. Secondly, other State, Federal and local plans and Strategies were considered. A long list of potential objectives was developed and finally this was prioritised to a shorter, more achievable list, presented below.

30 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 30 Key result Area 1: Regional cooperation and communication: Key result Area 2: Waste generation: A focus on regional cooperation and communication stems from the benefits gained to date when Councils have collaborated, exchanging information or sharing facilities and services. The first objective in this area is driven by the potential benefits from economies of scale, diminishing landfill options and the desire to establish a regional or subregional facility for residual waste disposal. The need to improve data collection was highlighted in the gaps in information from previous reporting and the data requirements of this strategy. It is envisaged that targets will be easier to set and forecasting more accurate once data collection improves. Despite an overall reduction is waste generation, the need to further reduce the amount of waste generated in the region is made evident by the predicted increase in population and the corresponding increase in waste generation. It will also limit the need for additional landfill and processing capacity. NE Waste will continue to successfully deliver a suite of campaigns, programs and projects to raise awareness in the community about waste minimisation and avoidance. Objectives Targets Objectives 1.1 To identify, implement and support regional solutions to manage residual waste, recycling and organics processing Targets Research to investigate the feasibility of regional solutions and have solutions or facilities to manage all waste streams by 2021 A number of shared facilities or contracts 2.1 Reduce waste generation by encouraging waste avoidance through a targeted communication and engagement strategy An effective community engagement strategy and waste/sustainability education initiatives and facilities across the region A reduction in waste generation per capita by 2021 Increased engagement of the business and broader community in waste reduction programs Performance Measures Improve regional reporting and data capture Improve NE Waste operation and communication An improved reporting system and data capture in place by 2019 Regular meetings and increase in communication across and within Councils Performance Measures % Reduction in waste generation per capita Number of waste education initiatives and facilities Number of participants in waste reduction programs Investigation or reports complete Number of shared facilities and contracts Comprehensive data collection and regular and accurate reporting Reviewed operational procedures and agreements Participation in Council meetings

31 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 31 Objectives Targets Increase in recycling rate to 70% for MSW and C&I and 80% for C&D 3.1 Increase recycling rates to meet NSW EPA WARR Strategy targets Reduction in contamination rates in the recycling stream Key result Area 3: Resource recovery Increase participation rates and services for recycling and organics The need to improve recycling and resource recovery is a strategic direction in most waste strategies. It is made evident in our region by compositional waste audits, where there is a continuing loss of large quantities of potentially recyclable materials via the residual waste bin, despite the continuing improvement in the kerbside recycling rate. 3.2 Increase resource recovery by sharing facilities, improving engagement and collection Increase the options and opportunities for shared resource recovery in MSW, C&I and C&D A uniform 3 bin system that includes food waste in Kyogle Council Extend the reach of resource recovery education and community engagement programs The need to encourage source separation and the uptake of recycling services in the commercial sector is considered a priority to meet targets set in the strategy and reduce the need for mixed waste processing into the future. Improved data collection regarding resource recovery from this sector would assist in future planning. Performance measures Change in recycling rate Proportion of recycling in the residual waste stream Household participation in recycling Number of businesses with a recycling/organics service Number of reuse shops and education initiatives targeting recycling Number of shared facilities for resource recovery The reach of resource recovery education and community engagement programs

32 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 32 Key result Area 4: Landfill diversion Key result Area 5: Problem Wastes The limited landfill capacity of several member Councils requires actions that divert the volumes of waste currently disposed to landfill. Increasing recycling and the processing of organics will save landfill space and the improved diversion will reduce the impact of the waste levy on Councils resources. Landfill diversion will also minimise impacts on public health and the environment including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, odour, dust, noise nuisance and litter from Councils waste management activities. CRC s have meant that the objective of streamlining the collection of problem wastes has brought closer. The continued operation of our Hazardous waste stores has also helped to meet this objective. However, compositional audits in 2016 have revealed that problem wastes are still disposed of in household bins. In addition, other problem wastes not included in the CRC or chemical collections, such as mattresses and asbestos, remain problematic for some Councils. Objectives 4.1 Increase diversion rates from landfill Targets Increase diversion rate to 75% by Performance measures Changes in diversion rate Completed review of infrastructure needs Range and number of options for diversion Number of waste diversion programs delivered Expand programs and projects that reduce waste generation and improve recycling Identify a range of individual or shared options to divert or recover waste destined for landfill Objectives Targets 5.1 Reduce problem wastes to landfill Manage Asbestos Waste Continue to extend the reach of problem waste education and community engagement programs Established or encourage social enterprise or alternative to deal with mattresses and other problem wastes Continue programs that target the safe handling and disposal of asbestos Encourage participation in the state wide move to address asbestos issues Performance Waste % Reduction of problem wastes in the residual stream An enterprise managing mattresses and other problem waste Number of community recycling centres and other facilities operating Number of Councils with policy and procedures for managing asbestos Number of participants in householder asbestos disposal and testing schemes

33 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 33 Objectives Targets Key result Area 6: Illegal Dumping and Litter 6.1 Combat Illegal dumping Continue to increase awareness and encourage reporting of illegal dumping Reduce incidence of illegal dumping through a targeted campaign Since 2016 NE Waste has supported projects for the improvements in reporting around illegal dumping and littering, with great success. These projects will continue to be supported and enhanced. 6.2 Encourage litter reduction in target audiences Increased awareness and reduced litter Performance measures Number of incident s of Illegal Dumping Number of reports of Illegal Dumping Quantity of litter All key result areas focus on specific waste management issues and to achieve their objectives requires the support of a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy.

34 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 34 Table NE Waste Council Strategies 5 Council Summary of individual Councils waste strategy objectives Ballina s waste management strategy is being revised at the moment. The strategy has been delayed as a result of potential legislative changes and ensuing implications for their entire waste management operation. Ballina Council is liaising with the NSW EPA to identify a potential way forward. Key features of the strategy include: 3.3 Member Council Strategy This strategy also needs to reflect the individual strategies that guide each member Council. A brief summary of the relevant components of their community or waste strategies that align to this strategy s objectives are highlighted in Table 7. Ballina Byron targets for reducing waste generation and improving recycling rates recognition of the challenges and opportunities for state regional areas identification of Ballina s priority wastes and areas for action implementation through action plans to achieve the objectives and priorities of the strategy. The strategy utilises results of the November 2016 waste composition audits to develop and implement targeted programs to improve landfill diversion rates and reduce contamination rates not only with their kerbside service, but with the material received at the waste management centre. Ballina has created a part time waste education position that will be integral in achieving these outcomes. The Strategy is consistent with the WARR strategy and its high level objectives are centered on resource conservation, resource recovery, resource depletion and environmental conservation. The Strategy embraces the concepts and ideals of a Circular Economy, which relies on innovation along the supply chain to move away from the unsustainable take, make, dispose consumerism model to one in which waste is minimised, resources are constantly returned back into the useful economy. It highlights the need to be prepared for future policy changes, both in New South Wales and Queensland, which may impact on current waste practices. At the time of writing this Strategy is under review. CVC This Strategy aims to standardise waste management practices across the Clarence Valley and to advance resource recovery goals. It explores issues of equity and access to services and importantly addresses ways of ensuring the delivery of solid waste services addresses the principles detailed in the Clarence Valley Sustainability Initiative. This strategy is currently under review.

35 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 35 Council Summary of individual Councils waste strategy objectives Council Summary of individual Councils waste strategy objectives Kyogle In development Lismore City Council (Northern Rivers Waste) in consultation with the community and its customers will continue to be proactive and innovative in meeting demands for waste management and expectations for higher rates of recycling. RVC The Richmond Valley Community plan aims to: Facilitate and encourage community clean up days such as Clean up Australia Day Provide adequate resources to respond to waste incidents appropriately Provide programs and initiatives to encourage and support businesses within Richmond Valley Council to improve their waste production handling and disposal facilities Vision A reduction in waste generation Lismore To continue to be a leader in industry best practice, reducing the environmental, social and financial impacts of waste management, while supporting a community that avoids waste generation and further promotes waste as a valuable resource to be reused, recovered and recycled. This vision is supported by seven key principles which include: Principle 1: Maintain strong results in terms of customer satisfaction by providing effective and efficient waste collection and disposal services. Tweed The Strategy actions include: Provide waste and recycling collection mechanisms to improve resource recovery Provide infrastructure to appropriately manage waste and improve resource recovery Provide strategic direction to improve resource recovery Provide organics FOGO collection and processing On call bulky waste collection service A new strategy will be developed in 2018 Principle 2: Continue to be a leader in industry best practice in the Northern Rivers region and the State of New South Wales. Principle 3: Consider opportunities for expansion of the business, particularly in a regional context, through the provision of regional recycling capacity. Principle 4: Maximise recovery, recycling and reuse of materials from the waste stream. Principle 5: Minimise waste levy leakage to the state government, with an aim of keeping as much funds locally to benefit the local economy. Principle 6: To make use of recovered waste products locally, creating local industry and uses. Principle 7: Build on community education and engagement to support waste diversion and other initiatives.

36 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 36 4 IMPLEMENTATION The NE Waste team (from left to right): Samala Heart (Project Coordinator), Jo Hoy (Project Coordinator), Kim Potter (BWRP Coordinator), Jeanie McKillop (Coordinator), Linda Tohver (Education Coordinator), Karen Rudkin (Project Coordinator) The development of a full range of potential delivery mechanisms (actions) for the original strategy was completed in consultation with Councils in The objectives, actions and activities outlined in Table 8 below are the result of a review that took place in with Member Councils and Project Coordinators.

37 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Action Plan Table 6 Strategy Implementation Objective ACTIONS Activities Who When (planning horizon) 1.1 To identify, implement and support regional solutions to manage residual waste, recycling and organics processing Investigate feasibility and potential partnerships/joint ventures for infrastructure and waste management projects Explore regional contracts/initiatives that benefit through economies of scale Monitor processing and landfill capacity and constraints Research grant opportunities and potential social enterprises Keep Councils informed and engaged on opportunities through product stewardship and other initiatives such as CDS Assess opportunities for sharing resources and arrangements and continue ongoing exploration of these North East Waste Councils Coordinator Project Coordinator M: L: Improve regional reporting and data capture Streamline and improve data capture & reporting methods Monitor and evaluate existing programs Work with EPA to improve and review WARR data for accuracy Provide Councils with data analysis Report to Councils on projects at 5 meetings per annum and produces an annual report for Councils Coordinator EPA North East Waste Councils S: 2017

38 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 38 Objective ACTIONS Activities Who When (planning horizon) Undertake regular meetings Increase communication within and between Councils, the public, groups and agencies Hold quarterly meetings with Councils and Contractors Improve information flow to public and other parts of Council though increased media activity 1.3 Improve NE Waste operations and communications Report meeting minutes and progress reports to relevant Council staff North East Waste Councils Coordinator Project Coordinator Ongoing 1.4 Increase dialogue with local councils, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal communities Strengthen relationships, tailor and improve services if needed and include Aboriginal communities in education and engagement initiatives. Continue to deliver the Clean Up Country Program Explore EPA funding opportunities to engage our Aboriginal communities in waste management improvements, clean ups and awareness TBC TBC Deliver the regional education program to encourage the adoption of waste avoidance and reuse practices to target audiences in member Council areas Promote reuse enterprise and raise awareness of reuse opportunities Regional community engagement program for the community and schools and early childhood centres LFHW program delivery Assist food donation programs and initiatives Continue the Media promotion of reuse through programs such as Second Hand Saturday Education Coordinator Waste Education Officers Ongoing 2.1 Reduce waste generation by encouraging waste avoidance through reuse and a targeted communication and engagement strategy Support the development of regional waste education initiatives Build the capacity of Council staff to undertake collaborative best practice community engagement Support waste educators and other staff from Councils through training and skills development, regular meetings and identify opportunities for collaborative, cost effective regional projects North East Waste Councils Coordinator Education Coordinator Waste Education Officers M: L: 2021 Continue to engage business to improve waste management practices and minimise generation Bin Trim and Waste Warriors Program delivery Develop and improve relationships to work with business sectors in Councils, waste contractors and the commercial sector North East Waste Councils Education Coordinator Ongoing

39 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 39 Objective ACTIONS Activities Who When (planning horizon) 3.1 Increase recycling rates to meet NSW targets Design and develop projects and education campaigns to increase recycling and resource recovery Determine programs for Collaborate with Council waste educators and managers to develop or improve recycling initiatives North East Waste Councils Coordinator Education Coordinator Ongoing Promote FOGO diversion through advertising campaign and promotion Improve food waste diversion Continue to assist local initiatives that target food waste such as Foodbank and food donation schemes Continue to deliver Love Food Hate Waste, Food Smart and WW campaigns North East Waste Councils Education Coordinator Project Coordinator M: L: Increase resource recovery by sharing facilities and improving collection services and education Improve commingled dry recycling diversion Investigate infrastructure options and funding opportunities for C&I and C&D waste streams Promote commingled recycling through media, education and community engagement Explore infrastructure improvement funding for Councils and businesses North East Waste Councils Coordinator S: M: 2019 Support the introduction of a Container Deposit Scheme and assist Councils in its implementation Provide Council with communications material and promotional material North East Waste Councils S: M: 2019 Increase the accessibility to and range of services for C&I and encourage more businesses to take up the service Bin Trim and Business Waste reduction project Continue to work on options for bulk recycling Work to streamline process for up taking a commercial service where it is a barrier Project Coordinator North East Waste Councils M: Increase diversion rates from landfill Investigate opportunities and review infrastructure needs for regional and sub regional facilities to use, divert or recover waste destined for landfill from the residual waste stream Deliver Education and communication activities that prevent contamination and encourage recycling, source separation and avoidance Continue to assess opportunities and investigate technologies that divert recoverable materials from the MSW,C&I and C&D stream TBC Ongoing Deliver Community Engagement on recycling, reuse and FOGO, Second Hand Saturday, Bin Trim, Business Waste Reduction, LFHW, Litter, Community Recycling Centres, Asbestos disposal and testing, illegal dumping and Clean Up Country Education Coordinator Coordinator Project Coordinator Ongoing

40 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 40 Objective ACTIONS Activities Who When (planning horizon) 5.1 Manage household problem wastes Continue to educate the community about problem wastes, avoidance and disposal Promote the services available at the regions 8 CRC s through the CRC Education and Communication Plan Investigate opportunities to expand existing problem waste services North East Waste Councils Coordinator S: Investigate opportunities for resource recovery and diversion of problem waste streams Identify and review enterprises that have developed recycling facilities or solutions for problem wastes Look for costs, funding opportunities and initiatives that may be suitable to deal with problem wastes in the region such as Bulka bags, bale wrap, residual oils in scrap, and mattresses North East Waste Councils Education Coordinator Coordinator S: M: Manage asbestos wastes Develop programs and education for the safe handling of asbestos Monitor developments in asbestos policy and regulation Household asbestos disposal scheme and household asbestos testing program Provide asbestos training and information for Councils North East Waste Councils Coordinator M: Combat Illegal dumping and establish baseline data Deliver an Illegal Dumping project to engage the region Continue to deliver the Illegal Dumping project, incorporating camera surveillance, reporting and data collection Project Coordinator North East Waste Councils S: M: Encourage litter reduction in target audiences To actively engage the community to reduce litter To deliver litter projects that reduce litter at priority sites through appropriate levels of education, infrastructure, partnerships, regulation, monitoring and evaluation North East Waste Councils Project Coordinator Coordinator S: 2017

41 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 41 5 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 1. Establish baseline Our initial Strategy ( ) was regularly evaluated at our quarterly meetings. It was successfully used as a continual reference document to steer our groups selection of programs and activities. New projects were evaluated against our Key Focus Areas and the group reviewed and adjusted our actions to fulfill our stated objectives. Where new policy horizons have arisen the group discussed our potential shift in direction to encompass these and recorded them to be included in this updated Strategy ( ). 6. Adjust actions to fulfill objectives Approach to monitoring and data management 2. Collect data quarterly The new Action Plan above forms the first step in implementing the objectives of our Strategy. It will continue to be a working document that will be updated annually as its progress against the key performance indicators are evaluated. In the interim, at quarterly meetings, the actions will be scrutinised as part of an ongoing monitoring plan to strengthen the strategy s implementation. A monitoring process will provide an opportunity to measure progress towards targets, check against original objectives and determine if our actions are on schedule. In this way, our implementation plan will be kept at the forefront of the groups discussions, providing a mechanism for the review of our objectives. It will also mean early identification of barriers to implementation and allow for the adjustment of future actions if required. 5. Review with Councils 4. Report on progress towards objectives 3. Analyse and compare to targets

42 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 42 APPENDIX 1 Supporting Data Tables

43 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 43 Table Waste & Resource Recovery Collection 7 Council Name Waste Collection and Processing Contract details Recovery Services Service Provider Material Processed Contract Duration Contract Expiry date Min/Max tonnages/yr Collection Co-mingled Recyclables Lismore City Council MRF Comingled recycling N/A N/A 5,000 t Ballina Council Residual/Comingled/FOGO Ballina Shire Organics Processing Lismore City Council ORF FOGO N/A N/A 6,100 t Byron Shire Co-mingled Recyclables Solo, Chinderah MRF Comingled recycling 3 years 31 August 2021 Solo Residual/Comingled/FOGO Clarence Valley Co-mingled Recyclables JR Richards, Grafton MRF Co-mingled recyclables 10 year 30 June ,500 JR Richards Residual/Comingled/FOGO Organic Processing JR Richards, Grafton MRF FOGO 10 year 30 June ,500 Kyogle Co-mingled Recyclables Solo, Chinderah MRF Comingled recycling 3 years Solo Residual/Comingled Lismore City Co-mingled recycling Lismore City Council MRF Comingled recycling N/A N/A 19,000 Lismore City Council Residual/comingled/FOGO Food and Garden Organics Lismore City Council ORF FOGO N/A N/A 21,000 Richmond Valley Co mingle Recycling Lismore City Council MRF Comingled Recycling N/A N/A 2332 Richmond Valley Council Residual/comingled/FOGO Organic Processing Lismore City Council, ORF Food and Garden organics N/A N/A 3085 Landfill site management Solo Full site management 1 year Jan NA Solo Residual/Comingled/FOGO Collection 1/7/2019 Tweed Shire Organics processing Solo Food and Garden organics 3 year ,000 Comingled Recycling Solo, Chinderah MRF Comingled recycling 3 year ,000

44 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 44 Table 8 Council Services Covered Service Provider Material Disposed Contract Duration Contract Expiry Date Min/Max Tonnages/Yr Landfill Void Space Specific Conditions Waste Disposal Contract Details Ballina Shire Putrescible Waste Veolia & JJ Richards Mixed putrescible Month to month ,585 m3 Transport & disposal Byron Shire Putrescible Waste Ti Tree Bioenergy Facility Putrescible waste 3 yrs Oct Contingency void yet to be calculated Transport & disposal Landfill in interim closure phase Inert Waste Veolia Environmental Services Inert Waste 5 + 2yrs Oct ,000 7,500 Transport &disposal Clarence Valley Residual Waste Grafton Regional Landfill (CVC) Residual Solid Waste NA NA 35,000 45, M m3 Kyogle Residual Waste Kyogle Landfill Mixed putrescible N/A N/A 182,000 m3 Lismore City Residual Waste Lismore RRC Residual solid waste NA NA 32, ,000m3 Richmond Valley Residual Waste Veolia Residual Waste 1+1 yr ,000 28, years Transport & Disposal Tweed Shire Residual Waste Veolia Putrescible waste 7 yrs ,000 70,000 m3 Wet 200,000 m3 Transport & Disposal

45 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 45 Table Waste & Resource Recovery Infrastructure Inventory 9 Ballina Shire Existing Infrastructure Planned Infrastructure Council Facility Location Facility Comments Landfill (currently closed) Transfer Station Tip Shop CRC Ballina Waste Management Centre (BWMC), 167 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina Loadout area undercover on hardstand Byron Shire Landfill (temporarily closed) Tip Shop Transfer Station CRC Organics processing Pad Myocum Resource Recovery Centre (MRRC), 115 The Manse Rd, Myocum Upgrade of T/S Community Drop off Centre (MRRC) In planning phase EIS being finalised Currently under development Clarence Valley JR Richards vehicle depot Grafton Landfill Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Organic composting facility (ORF) Hazardous waste store Grafton Transfer station Maclean Transfer Station Maclean tip shop Copmanhurst Transfer Station Baryulgil Transfer Station GlenreaghTransfer Station Tyringham Transfer Station Illuka Transfer Station New Environment Learning Facility at Graton Landfill and new office Brickworks Ln, Sth Grafton Grafton Regional Landfill, 704 Armidale Rd, Sth Grafton Duke St & Kirchner St, Grafton Paperbark Dr, Townsend 1868 Clarence Way, Copmanhurst 7477 Clarence Way, Baryulgil George St, Glenreagh Armidale Rd, Tyringham Illuka New landfill cell Upgrade of Baryulgil 3-4 year life potential for permanent office and fixed camera

46 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 46 Existing Infrastructure Planned Infrastructure Kyogle Kyogle landfill Kyogle Transfer Station Woodenbong Transfer Station Mallanganee Transfer Station Bonalbo Transfer Station Container Deposit Depot Community Recycling Centre Kyogle Waste Management Centre, Runnymede Rd, Kyogle Woodenbong WMC, Mt Lindsey Highway, Woodenbong Dump Rd, Mallanganee Clarence Way, Bonalbo Lismore City Lismore Landfill Vehicle depot Lismore Transfer station Material Recycling Facility (MRF) Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) Hazardous waste store Revolve shop Recycling drop off centre Nimbin transfer station Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre(RRC), 313 Wyrallah Road East Lismore Brewster Street, Lismore Blade Road, Nimbin Commercial Waste Sorting Facility Regional Dirty MRF Concrete Processing Facility Plastic Recycling Facility Waste fuel production/waste to energy facility Mattress recycling Paint recycling facility In partnership with community /charities Richmond Valley Nammoona Landfill Nammoona Transfer Station Front End Resource Recovery Centre (FRRC) Hazardous Waste Store Bora Ridge Transfer Station Evans Head Transfer Station Rappville Transfer Station Tip Shop CRC Dargaville Drive, Casino Myall Creek Rd, Bora Bridge Broadwater Rd, Evans Head Carwong Rd, Rappville Developing a master plan that will include infrastructure improvement Weighbridge at Evan Head Tweed Shire Stotts Creek Landfill Stotts Creek Transfer Station Hazardous Waste Store Tip Shop CRC Leddys Rd, Stotts Creek Stotts Creek Landfill Additional Cell at Stotts Creek Landfill FOGO processing Approved to construct new facility with 2.5 million m 3 of capacity

47 NORTH EAST WASTE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 47 END OF DOCUMENT REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Publish date: December 2017 Edition version number:1.1 Revision Design by: Flui-D Multimedia Productions North East Waste